Duke laughed, delighted that Hazel had heard that, equally delighted that she’d frozen in her frantic search for a tank top to stare at Bridget… No, to glare at her. She wanted him to believe that her feelings had vanished the second he’d walked into her world when it was obvious they hadn’t.
“So Mother is behind this? Agreed to the idea of taking her only daughter out there?”
“One hundred percent. We try to get the interns out in the field at some point in their training. As you know, a well-rounded education is a cornerstone of this program. Mother endorses it and knows she can’t exempt her daughter from the trial. And besides, my grant money is tied to my publishing. These trips offer me a lot of inspiration for papers. There’s always a discovery to be made. I like to introduce the interns to human witches at some point, try to crack some of that old world thinking.”
“A worthy pursuit. Does it work?”
“Meh, sometimes.” She nudged him. “Sometimes they never come back.”
“Hey now, I’m back. It just took me a while to get here.”
“You were a fast learner. Eager too, from what I remember.” She nudged him again then stepped forward, commanding attention of the interns with just a wave of her hand. “You four are mine. I own you for the next five years. You”—she pointed at Hazel—“belong to Healer Hart and will follow his command.” She turned back to the rest of the group, ignoring Hazel’s sudden seething glare. “All of you, when we say jump, you jump. When we say duck, you duck. You will remain vigilant. You will absorb our teaching. You will listen and you will be open to whatever magic learning comes your way. From me, from Healer Hart, from the humans. All are above you in this hierarchy. If you ignore that simple rule, you will probably die…which is a better fate than failing this trial.”
One of the interns scoffed, a surly-looking guy who was leaning against the lockers, arms crossed, appearing all the badass troublemaker in his uniform.
“And if you have a problem with that, we can arrange for double duty in the Scrub. Healer Hart has direct access. We might even venture there for a side trip if you don’t behave.”
That got them all wide eyed and standing straight, even the tough guy. Duke had to stifle a laugh. The fear of the place was not undeserved.
“Get dressed, grab a pack, meet us on deck in fifteen.”
“Are we going somewhere, Healer Rose?” the chubby one asked. The nametag now featured on his chest read Tate Martin.
“Scotland, highlands. You’re getting your field training early,” Bridget said, arms folded, expression stern. “Get to it, people! We leave in fifteen.”
Duke didn’t wait for Hazel to protest. He didn’t even look at her as he followed Bridget out of the lounge. “That got their attention.”
“I’m not joking either. I’ve never lost an intern, but I have had some close calls. It can get crazy out there with the Rogues roaming. They seem to be increasing in numbers lately. Joining forces and luring white witches in innovative and devious ways. We’ve lost three Healers in the last six months. Good witches, promising but inexperienced.” She shook her head, clearly distressed.
“I hadn’t heard anything about that.” Duke found it equally as surprising that Mother Knight would let her daughter out there if things were as dangerous as Bridget said.
“The Trappers know. They’re doing their job, hot on the trails and all that.” She waved her hand. “But it’s best for us to be vigilant, not let ourselves get too distracted.” She leaned in close, her lips almost touching his neck as she angled up to his ear. “I’ll bring my big tent though, the one with the soundproofing and the down floor. You remember that one? You liked it a lot, if I recall.”
Duke stopped her hand from trailing down his stomach. Now that Hazel was out of sight, the ruse seemed pointless. “Oh yes, I remember. It’s where you left me fast asleep, spell induced, while you took credit for something that belonged to me, a rather precious gem.” He gave her a sly smile when she pulled away.
“Oh, Duke, you and your gems. It was a necessary strategy. You and I both know that I had to be the one to bring it home. Besides, you got me back, remember?” She slipped her fingers into her blouse and shifted it to the side, showing the three-inch scar that bubbled over her breast. “Magic scars can’t be removed, you know?” She ran her finger over the marred flesh. “But I don’t mind. When I touch it, it reminds me of you. I can still feel your magic there.” Her smile turned sour as she let her blouse fall back into place. “It’s good to see you again. Been too long. You remember where the deck is, right?” She didn’t wait for him to respond. “I’ll see you up there in ten.”
Duke watched her walk away. He noticed the way the other Healers and aides heeded her space, moving out of her path even subconsciously while they were preoccupied by file folders or conversations. She’d always been commanding. Always demanded respect. And he had unconditionally respected her, right up until the moment she’d betrayed his trust. Then his feelings had changed.
He rubbed his hand down his face. But that had been ten years ago and he’d gotten over it. Mostly. As much as he enjoyed teasing Hazel with Bridget’s proximity, he had no intention of leading either woman on. Hazel might not have been the woman she’d claimed to be. She wasn’t the sweet and not-so-innocent village girl he’d thought she was, but that didn’t diminish his feelings for her.
He’d fallen in love with Hazel months ago and nothing had changed since then. If anything, the idea of her being Hazel, the Promised One, intrigued him more than anything. The girl with a destiny he’d been hearing about for most of his adult life. The mythical witch with such raw talent that she could unite the Circle in a way that would ensure unending power to all Healer-kind. And she did have that raw power. He’d felt it when she’d taken out the zombies. She was gifted. Those rumors had been true. But her power was untested mostly, rough, still needed refinement and with his help, he could shape her into a formable witch. More powerful than her mother even.
He started toward the back staircase that would take him to his room. He’d need to pack quickly if he was going to make it to the deck in time to catch his ride. Hazel’s loyalty to her destiny was admirable, and insane. To give up her life to the Healers… That was hero status, to be sure. She’d be sacrificing more than just the relationship she had with him. And he could see that she really believed it was her only path. The role her mother played in her devotion was problematic, but it was a challenge he was certain he’d overcome.
Nobody’s fate was predetermined, etched in stone or not. What he’d learned about destiny, what the human witches had taught him time and time again, was that destiny was fluid, a multitude of threads that strengthened and broke, that grew and twinned. By choice, by nature, by chance, it could be altered. Hazel Knight was a thread in Duke’s destiny and he was going to prove to her that it was a thread he wouldn’t let her cut. Not until she understood just how much power she actually had over her own life, her fate, and her future.
His heart belonged to Hazel and only her. This field trip was just what he needed to remind her that her heart belonged to him as well.
5
“This is terrible.” Hazel held a pair of army fatigues in one hand and a black tank top in the other. What just happened? One minute, she’d been sure she had it all figured out. Stand up to Duke, tell him how things were going to be—namely not being in his vicinity for the next year, and wham—Bridget “The Enforcer” Rose was making it impossible to get away. What her mother had been thinking by agreeing to a field trip like this, she could not guess.
“The uniform?” Chanda smoothed her hands down her body. “I don’t know, I kinda think it looks hot.”
“Not the uniform!” Hazel sank down to the bench, feeling defeated. “I can’t go on this trip.”
“Too good to get your hands dirty?” Tough guy, Bas Frank, blurted. His arms still crossed, his lips pulled into a sneer. “I’ve heard about you, Promised One. You’re probably not us
ed to the idea of hard labor, are you? Or slumming it with the rest of us. The horror.”
Hazel blinked, hard, at his tone. She’d lived a privileged life, she knew, venturing out with her mother only ever resulted in praise and respect. But even when she slipped out under her mother’s nose, she was never treated with hostility. So she wasn’t totally prepared for the vibes she was getting from a complete stranger. Most people she’d encountered in her life either didn’t know who she was and treated her at face value—which was never a bad thing—or knew exactly who she was, what she was meant to be, and treated her like a cherished, delicate piece of art, which was not always a good thing. Disdain was unfamiliar.
“Hey, asshole,” Mahdyia snapped. “Check your attitude. There’s shit going on here you don’t understand.”
“Nah, I’ve heard the rumors. The Promised One, destined to save all our asses. Yeah, I got it. She’s important. Very important. I mean look at her, she’s already been given Prince Charming as her mentor while the rest of us have Queen B—”
“That’s enough!” Mahdyia moved closer to Hazel, taking a seat on the bench next to her. “Hey, this isn’t a bad thing. Being out in the world. Travelling more than you’ve ever done before. Among the humans… The Hags! Your favorite.” She nudged Hazel. “You sure you don’t want anything more to happen with…Prince Charming? I mean…really sure?” She’d lowered her voice further for the last part, but it was still loud enough for everyone to hear.
Hazel gave her a dark glare. “I can’t, Mads, you know that. Mother would—”
Mahdyia sighed. “Okay, listen, we’ll use this opportunity to get Duke off your back. Make sure he understands that you’re not interested.”
“Last time you said that, you pushed me out the door and tried to turn me over to him.” She wasn’t saying she didn’t believe her cousin had her best interests at heart—or at least what she perceived her best interests to be—but she wasn’t completely convinced they were on the same page where Duke was concerned.
Mahdyia opened her mouth to argue when Tate cut her off. “Wait. Are you being harassed, like sexually, by Healer Hart?” Tate took a step toward her, a deep frown on his face. “Because I’ve heard things about him.”
“What kind of things?” Hazel asked. All of a sudden, that feeling from earlier returned. Seeing Duke’s hands all over Bridget made her want to barf or scream, or cry or punch something.
“Yes, that’s right. He’s taken an interest in Hazel, you know, because she’s like a freakin’ unicorn,” Mahdyia’s voice had an edge.
Unicorn? “I’m not—”
“And he won’t take no, right?” Chandra sighed, shaking her head. “Been there, too many times to count.”
“I’m sure you have,” Bas said before pushing himself off the lockers. He lifted a hand to stop Chanda’s next words. “Listen, I’m all for using your assets, but if you’re not interested in advancing your career, then just tell him to fuck off and be done with it.” He nailed Hazel with a look that made her want to shrink to the floor. “You’re not a child. You’re some big deal, right? So just tell him that you’ll send him to the Scrub. We all know you can do it, right? Your mother is the Mother. You don’t even have to tell him off yourself—just get mommy to do it.”
“Shut up, Bas,” Chanda said, shrugging him off in dismissal. “Ignore him, Hazel. He’s got a chip the size of a boulder on his shoulder. We’ll run defense for you. The way Healer Hart was flirting with Healer Rose… Well, I bet he’s used to getting all the women. I’ve seen it before. Scumbag.” She motioned toward the door. “I mean, with a body like his, those muscles, did you see them? Mmmm—”
“Yeah, okay, got it.” Hazel stood up from the bench, her cheeks heating at the thought of Duke’s body…which led to thoughts of his hands and what they could do…as well as his tongue and his mouth…oh goddess. “It’s unwelcome,” she whispered. Even though she wasn’t thrilled with the direction Mahdyia had taken things, she could see the benefits. Duke had to be the villain in this little story, right? That was the only way for her to stay sane for the year and to keep her promise to her mother, to all Healer-kind, to fulfill her duty.
So why did that make her heart clench so hard it felt like she was dying? “I don’t want this.”
“What a waste,” Bas mumbled.
“She’s lived a sheltered life,” Mahdyia said. “Completely innocent, if you know what I mean.”
“I’m not—”
Mahdyia winked at her as she stood. “Shhh, dear. It’s okay. These guys will help you out of this mess.”
“Nah, I’m not helping,” Bas said, then turned as if he was going to leave. “I’m here to get my training, not to participate in anyone’s drama.”
Tate stood in his way. “Yes, you are.” He crossed his arms. “Hazel needs our help, so we’ll help her. We stick together.”
“Oh yeah, tough guy? What are you going to do about it if I don’t?” Bas clenched his fists, looking like he was ready to unleash at any moment.
Tate smirked. “Go ahead. Hit me. See what happens.”
Bas snorted. “You got it.” He pulled back his fist.
Hazel winced, taking a step toward them as if she could somehow tamp down the testosterone overload.
“Guys—”
The door whooshed open. Hazel’s mother walked into the room, narrowed her eyes and scrutinized everything, as she usually did. “What’s going on here?”
Bas dropped his hands, took a step back so he was pressed against the locker, fists still clenched but Hazel imagined for an entirely different reason. Some tough guy.
Tate turned to greet Hazel’s mother. “Good morning, Mother Knight. We’re just getting to know one another as we prepare for our first duty.”
Hazel’s mother looked from Tate to Bas, her brow furrowed for a moment. “Yes, well, get on with it. You’re not ready, by the looks of things. Bags aren’t packed.”
“Yes, ma’am,” they chimed in unison.
“Being in the field,” she began, halting anyone from going anywhere, “is a great responsibility. You represent White Willow in all that you do, but most importantly in how you treat those in need. We do not normally interact with the humans. However, Healer Rose has gained much unique information from the Storm Hags, who are descendants, in some capacity, from the great Elemental witches. Rudimentary magic—practical, not always predictable or reliable, but worth seeing in the flesh, which you are about to do. Represent White Willow with your best thoughts and actions. I expect nothing less than exemplary behavior.”
Her mother stopped her lecture, looking expectantly at the interns, who suddenly realized she was done.
“Yes, Mother Knight, of course,” Chanda said. “Better get dressed, Hazel. We leave in five.”
While the others scrambled to gather their things, Hazel clenched her clothes to her chest and moved to the bathroom. Her mother followed, closing the door behind her.
“I know that this is probably an overwhelming prospect for you, dear. Out among the humans. But Bridget is a highly capable Healer, my right hand if you will. Healer Hart as well—this is his area of expertise. I wouldn’t entrust your safety to anyone but the best. Although it is unfortunate to have to use our talents on the magically inclined humans, we do owe them some compassion, I suppose. I believe Mahdyia calls it slumming? Apt description.”
“Mother, I don’t think—”
“Field time is a requirement.” Her tone had taken on a stern edge, like she was revving up for another lecture. “Better to get the hours out of the way. An opportunity has presented itself, giving your field time purpose. Sometimes we have to wait for months before we have a need to venture into human territory.” She shuddered. “It’s dirty work, but best to keep the Hags under watch. If they are experiencing trouble, illness or guidance, we need to see to them. Bridget values their skills.”
“I have some reservations…some concerns about—”
“Be brave, daughter,
I know that it’s not what you were expecting on your first day. I did secure you with a talented mentor and this will be an opportunity to show your peers your value.” She winked then ran her fingers through Hazel’s hair, coming around to her back so she could pull it into a pony tail and secure it at the base of her neck. “You are very important to me. To all Healer-kind. Show them what you can do.”
She snapped her fingers and suddenly Hazel was dressed in her army fatigues. “Mother, you know I hate it when you do that. I can get dressed myself.”
“I know, dear, just doting on you. I know you will prove your worth to all of the witches here in your actions. I believe in your gifts. You are my special witch. My Promised One.”
And there it was, her mother’s pride, which normally made Hazel’s stomach flutter. It was the closest thing to love that she’d felt from the woman and she’d spent most of her life chasing it. This time though, it felt hollow. False. Hazel frowned.
A heavy weight fell against Hazel’s chest. She looked down, her fingers touching the gem she now wore. It sparkled on its own, crystal with hints of blue. A summoning stone. Very rare. “Mother…”
“You left it on your dresser. You know how I feel about you taking this off.” She came around to Hazel’s front.
“The shower…” Hazel had removed it the night before, not wanting her mother to have access to her whereabouts.
The Witches of White Willow: A Witch Hospital Romance Page 4
